Debate in the Legislature over a private member’s bill that would see fruit wines test-marketed at farmers’ markets across the province brought a spirtied exchange.
The bill would see fruit wines made available at local farmers’ markets across Ontario and debate in the Legislature over Bill 132 became heated.
Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell says the proposal brought by interim Conservative leader Bob Runciman has the full support of Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowski and Government Services Minister Ted McMeekin.
Mitchell says the McGuinty government wants to make sure that if the bill passes, that there are controls over the availability of fruit wine while making sure the product gets adequate exposure at farmers’ markets.
That prompted an outburst from Conservative MPP and party leadership contender Randy Hillier, who told the House the government was lying about supporting it, which led to his expulsion.
Mitchell says Hillier’s intent had nothing to do with the proposal at all.
She says Hillier was trying to win over supporters of other Conservative leadership candidates.
Mitchell says Hillier is aware of Parliamentary rules and of what is acceptable behaviour in the House.
Mitchell says Hillier was made aware by the House Speaker that calling someone a liar won’t be tolerated during debate.
Mitchell says Hillier had more than one opportinity to take back the remark.
She says Hillier was warned, but went on with his remarks without apology and was walked out of the chamber by the Legislative Sergeant-at-Arms.
The proposed legislation that would test-market fruit wine at farmers’ markets has gone through first and second reading.